Grand Rapids, Mich – Gray Skies Distillery released their first straight rye whiskey November 7 and will follow shortly with a limited-edition release of their Breakfast Bourbon on November 20. Both spirits will be available for purchase in their tasting room and through licensed retailers, bars and restaurants around Michigan via statewide distribution. Michigan Straight Rye Whiskey was aged in charred new, oak barrels for over two years and bottled at 90 proof. Breakfast Bourbon was aged over two years and bottled at 87 proof. Breakfast Bourbon spent time in two different barrels, starting in in charred new, oak barrels before it was finished for 9 months in maple syrup casks. These two whiskeys bring the total number of American whiskeys Gray Skies Distillery offers up to five: Michigan Straight Rye Whiskey, Breakfast Bourbon, Breakfast Rye, Single Malt Whiskey and Michigan Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Each Gray Skies Distillery whiskey is painstakingly made from grain in 500-gallon batches. Gray Skies proudly uses an inefficient pot still for its whiskeys to maintain maximum flavor at the expense of productivity. Each whiskey is double distilled before resting in barrels on-site for years. With five premium American whiskeys available and a growing, aging whiskey stock Gray Skies Distillery continues to define Michigan craft whiskey.

“Michigan Straight Rye Whiskey is a perfect complement to the coming cold weather. It’s the ultimate cocktail whiskey with a strong rye backbone that stands up to other ingredients” said Steve Vander Pol, co-owner of Gray Skies Distillery. “Because this is a straight whiskey, no additional flavors were added. My tasting notes include figs, chocolate, black pepper and cinnamon. This flavor profile was created using only grain, water, yeast and time in oak barrels.”

“Breakfast Bourbon offers a playful twist on a typical bourbon whiskey. Unlike our rye, this is not a straight spirit. We infused maple flavor into the whiskey by taking a traditional bourbon and finishing it for 9 months in a barrel that was previously used to age maple syrup,” Vander Pol continued. “The maple finish amplifies the sweetness inherent in bourbon whiskey and imparts a creamy mouthfeel to the viscous finished spirit. These whiskey releases expand our craft whiskey offerings to five distinct spirits, highlighting what a small batch distillery can do.”

Gray Skies Distillery was named Michigan Distillery of The Year in 2016 at the 7th annual New York International Spirits Competition on the strength of its gold medal winning Barrel Finished Gin. The Gray Skies Distillery line up of spirits are currently available in hundreds of licensed retailers, bars and restaurants around Michigan. Distribution is currently limited to Michigan, but the distillery hopes to expand into additional states with future whiskey releases.

About Gray Skies Distillery:

Grain to glass, locally made in Grand Rapids.

At Gray Skies Distillery, we don’t try to be everything to everyone. Instead, we focus our attention on our process, flavors, environment and those looking for the unexpected. We take pride in introducing traditional spirits – like gin, whiskey and rum – with a surprising flavor twist, making them unique to Gray Skies Distillery. Our small-batch process is married with traditional methods to create a spirit that is innovative and exceptional in quality. We are committed to working with local businesses whenever possible to craft our flavor-forward spirits. From local malted barley to repurposing Michigan maple syrup barrels, our innovative ingredients push the limits on what good spirits truly embody.

Auburn Hills, Mich – Craft beer lovers can add this must-have item to their holiday wish list: The 12 Days of Milkshake Stout Seasonal 12 Pack. Given the popularity and consumer demand for these beers, Rochester Mills has increased production and expanded distribution of their holiday edition 12-pack, which will be released on November 5. This package features one 16 oz can of each beer in this year’s 12 Days of Milkshake Stout promotion, just in time to get the perfect gift for the craft beer lover on your shopping list.

“We never cease to be amazed by the popularity of these beers. What began as a crazy idea to take twelve different versions of our Milkshake Stout to twelve bars over twelve days has grown into a holiday tradition,” said Rochester Mills Vice President of Brewing Operations Eric Briggeman. “Because we have sold-out of the 12 packs each year, we continue to increase production and now expanded distribution hoping to meet the growing demand from retailers and consumers.”

The Rochester Mills Production Brewery and Taproom in Auburn Hills will begin selling 12 Packs at 11 AM on Monday, November 5th, 2018. Consumers will also find the 12 packs at better beer stores across Michigan, select locations in Northern Ohio, and now Indiana. The brewery has also made special arrangements to ship a limited quantity to Alberta and New Brunswick Canada as well as the Netherlands, making this a truly international phenomenon. The Taproom will also join more than twenty other select premium craft beer bars and restaurants throughout Michigan as host locations for a progressive tap takeover event featuring the 12 Days of Milkshake on draft, December 1-12, 2018. Admission is free and open to the public, ages 21 and up.

The progressive tap takeover event will feature the (12) twelve specialty and limited edition variants of Milkshake Stout™, Rochester Mills’ flagship beer brand. Each night a new variety of stout will be tapped and stay on draft until the keg runs dry.

2018 12 Days of Milkshake Tap List (NOT in order of release) and contents of 12 pack:

Ferndale, Mich. — B. Nektar will be hosting a bottle release party for the first release of the branded beverage line made for American Gods, a FremantleMedia North America TV series that airs on STARZ, inspired by the award-winning novel written by Neil Gaiman.

Believe is a mead made from orange blossom honey and fresh-pressed Michigan cider.
ABV 6.5%
$5.99/bottle
Bottles and pours available in the B. Nektar Taproom.

New distillery Tasting Room to open in the heart of Downtown Boyne City retail district

Grand Rapids, Mich – Grand Rapids-based Long Road Distillers announced on Wednesday that they will be opening a new distillery tasting room in Boyne City, Michigan. The northern Michigan outlet will be the company’s first offsite tasting room apart from their headquarters on the West Side of Grand Rapids where they house their production facility, cocktail bar and restaurant. Visitors to the new Boyne City location will be able to sample Long Road’s line-up of handcrafted spirits, participate in special tasting events, and purchase merchandise and bottles to-go.

“The Long Road team is thrilled to join the Boyne City community,” said Kyle VanStrien, Long Road Distillers Co-Founder and Co-Owner. “It’s a beautiful town with a thriving retail district, engaged business community, and countless activities for residents and visitors to enjoy throughout the year.”

The Long Road Tasting Room will be located at 118 Water Street in the heart of the Central Business District in Downtown Boyne City. It will share a storefront with The Outdoor Beerdsman, a befitting partnership considering the handcrafted nature of the retailer who designs and prints their own apparel, and creates custom jewelry, all in-house.

“We’re excited to have Long Road Distillers join our downtown business community,” said Ashley Cousens, Executive Director of the Boyne Area Chamber of Commerce. “We think they’ll be a great compliment to the many options we have for residents and visitors to enjoy – our retail shops, brewpubs, restaurants, wineries and bars. This will add another unique attraction and a line of handcrafted products that help highlight the agricultural bounty of Michigan.”

Northern Michigan has become a vital part of the Long Road story and holds a special place in the hearts of VanStrien and fellow Co-Owner and Co-Founder Jon O’Connor.

“We are committed to using Michigan-grown ingredients in our spirits whenever possible,” said O’Connor. “MICHIGIN, our 100% Michigan ingredient gin, depends on ingredients grown in Northern Michigan. Our team spends several days each fall harvesting juniper on nearby Beaver Island, and we’ve incorporated galena hops from the Michigan Hop Alliance in Northport to add a citrus component to the gin’s botanical makeup.”

“As we’ve done in West Michigan, we’re excited to build partnerships with Boyne area farmers to develop new products that highlight the unique terroir of the region,” adds O’Connor.

While an official open date has not been announced, Long Road Distillers is actively seeking applicants for a Tasting Room Manager and Retail Associate team members.

To learn more about employment opportunities or to stay up to date on the Long Road – Boyne City location, visit fb.me/LongRoadBoyneCity.

https://i1.wp.com/mittenbrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/LongRoad.jpg?fit=1500%2C1000&ssl=110001500MittenBrewhttps://mittenbrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/MittenBrewLogo.pngMittenBrew2018-10-25 09:42:192018-10-25 09:43:14Long Road Distillers to Open New Location in Boyne City

Detroit, Mich. — Batch Brewing Company, located in the Corktown neighborhood of Detroit, is rolling out its first beer subscription called the Batch Brewing Company Expansion Pack. The Expansion Pack will include an exclusive 4-pack of beer per month, only available to subscribers. In addition, the subscription includes other perks such as the ability to prepay for bottle releases.

Batch Brewing Company is in the midst of growth, adding its second location ‘The Funk Room’ at 2841 E Grand Boulevard, where they recently started canning beer and expanding distribution. “Growing a small business is a balancing act,” says co-owner Stephen Roginson. “You’ve got to rely on subcontractors and vendors to honor their commitments, deliver on time, and care about your business.”

With a goal of opening The Funk Room, the brewery has found itself short of funding after a vendor vanished with a $95,000 equipment deposit. “We’re hoping the additional revenue from the Expansion Pack will help us bridge the financial gap and get our second tap room open to serving the North End and Milwaukee Junction communities,” added Roginson.

The first installment of the Expansion Pack will be available to subscribers in February as Batch Brewing Company celebrates its 4th anniversary. More information about the Expansion Pack can be found at their website.

About
Batch Brewing Company has been voted as Best Microbrewery / Brewpub by both Metro Times and Hour Detroit, Best Brewery in Michigan according to Yelp, and was chosen as the #3 Best New Brewery in Michigan by MLive in 2016. Winners of Hatch Detroit in 2013, Batch Brewing Company opened their doors in early 2015. Batch Brewing Company’s original location is at 1400 Porter Street in the Corktown neighborhood of Detroit, and recently launched the Batch Brewing Company Funk Room at 2841 East Grand Boulevard.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — Harmony Hall will host a night of political discussion focused on the highly anticipated upcoming midterm election. Michigan Radio’s next installment of “Issues & Ale” will take place in the hall on Wednesday, October 24 from 6:30-8:00 p.m.

“We’re making it easy to do your civic duty. Get informed while enjoying a delicious Harmony beer!” said Heather Van Dyke-Titus, co-owner of Harmony Brewing Company.

Issues & Ale is an ongoing event series designed to get the public talking about issues in Michigan in an informal environment. The events take place throughout Michigan Radio’s listening area and are always free to attend.

It’s Just Politics co-host Zoe Clark will host a panel of Grand Rapids political experts in a discussion about the upcoming midterm election. On November 6, Michiganders will elect a new governor and attorney general, select candidates in a number of contested races in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate and vote on three statewide ballot proposals.

“This will be a fun and fast-paced discussion about some of the key races and ballot issues that people across Michigan will be voting on in the November midterm election,” said Steven Chrypinksi, marketing director for Michigan Radio.

Audience members will also have the opportunity to pose questions about the election to the panel.

“We’ve been talking to so many people who are feeling desperate for constructive, respectful dialogue about politics and the issues that impact all of us,” Van Dyke-Titus said. “We wanted to provide a forum for that conversation to happen.”

Van Dyke-Titus, a lifelong listener of NPR, looks forward to hosting the event in the midst of a tense political atmosphere.

“I’m thrilled to be able to collaborate with an institution that I value and respect so much,” Van Dyke-Titus said. “I’m also excited that the theme of the night is a preview for the midterm elections. I can’t remember a time when an election felt more important.”

CINCINNATI, OH – MadTree Brewing Company and Short’s Brewing Company are launching The Bonsai Project collaboration (Get it? Short trees…) this November. After sharing a couple gin and tonics, they decided to take brewery collaboration to a whole new level. Similar to a traditional black and tan, each brewery developed a recipe intended to be layered together resulting in the ultimate collaboration and gin and tonic experience.

MadTree is brewing and canning, OH, a gin-inspired specialty ale with lemon peel, juniper berry, hibiscus, and coriander with raspberry and peach added. Short’s is brewing and canning, MI, a tonic-inspired specialty ale with lemon, lime, and orange zest, allspice, cinchona bark, lemongrass, and cubeb pepper with lemon, lime, and orange juice added. When layered together both are sure to make beer drinkers say, “oh my!”

Each six-pack will contain three cans of OH and three cans of MI in a carton-wrap package format. Best served layered, consumers can layer at home or get the full layering experience at MadTree and Short’s events at bars and restaurants across the Midwest. The breweries will provide each event location with a custom layering spoon to create the Bonsai Project on-site.

“When we decide to collaborate with another brewery, it’s because we have a genuine relationship with them and we inspire each other to create innovative beers” said Brady Duncan, MadTree co-founder. “Hanging out with Joe and the team from Short’s, with a few cocktails added, got us thinking about doing something different.”

“Everything about this project is rad. From concept to package design, all the way through recipe development and promotional brainstorming. I think it’s awesome to offer up two uniquely different beers in both color and flavor, that also complement each other. The layering element takes it to a whole new level adding a third flavor experience at the consumers discretion. I’m stoked to see this project come to fruition. It’s going to be a game changer.” said Short’s CEO and Creative Engineer, Joe Short.

Collaboration six-packs and draft will be distributed throughout Ohio and Indiana by Cavalier Distributing and across Michigan by Imperial beverage beginning on November 12, 2018.

About MadTree Brewing Company

Cincinnati’s MadTree Brewing made history when they opened in 2013 by becoming the first modern craft brewery to can its beer in Ohio. When it comes to brewing, they have carved their own path. They mix. They mash. They methodically bring quality beer to life, and have fun doing it. Demand from the growing community keeps MadTree motivated and moving. In return, they make nothing but the best beer. They are founded and continue to grow on the notion that beer builds community and community builds beer. MadTree distributes its beers throughout Ohio, Kentucky, and Middle and Eastern Tennessee.

About Short’s Brewing Company

Located in the heart of Downtown Bellaire, MI, Short’s Brewing Co. was established in 2004 by Joe Short. In 2009, Short’s began keg and bottle distribution in Michigan via their Elk Rapids Production Facility. Starcut Ciders is a division of Short’s Brewing Company born out of a desire to celebrate the bounty of Michigan orchards. The brewery is known widely for their flagship and experimental brews including Huma Lupa Licious and Soft Parade. Short’s prides themselves on producing fearlessly creative beers, handmade by people who care in Northern Michigan.

https://i2.wp.com/mittenbrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/MadTree-Shorts.jpg?fit=1200%2C742&ssl=17421200MittenBrewhttps://mittenbrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/MittenBrewLogo.pngMittenBrew2018-10-16 23:02:092018-11-09 14:18:48MadTree and Short’s Take Collaboration to the Next Level with Bonsai Project

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Founders announced today that they will release Canadian Breakfast Stout (CBS), an imperial coffee chocolate stout aged in maple bourbon barrels, as the final release in the 2018 Barrel-Aged Series. CBS is one of the most sought-after releases in the world. This is the second year in a row the brewery has released CBS

Fans may notice that CBS’s label is missing a key, iconic element this year. The Mountie has been removed but the feel of the original label is maintained with an image of a bucking horse against a forested background.

“We’ve been ramping up our barrel-aged program over the past few years and it’s allowed us to expand our offerings,” said President and Co-Founder, Dave Engbers. “We’re so excited to announce that CBS will be available for the second year in a row. The beer enthusiasts have been very vocal about their love for this beer and we’re happy we can accommodate. It’s what we love to do.”

The highly anticipated beer was first brewed after Brewmaster Jeremy Kosmicki stumbled upon bourbon barrels that had previously housed maple syrup. Adding the same base beer as Kentucky Breakfast Stout (KBS), CBS was born. Rich maple syrup, roasted coffee and velvety chocolate meld together in this barrel-aged beer to create a transcendental drinking experience.

CBS is the sixth and final release in the brewery’s 2018 Barrel-Aged Series, preceded by KBS, Backwoods Bastard, Dankwood,Barrel Runner and Curmudgeon’s Better Half. General Admission CBS ticket sales begin on October 12 at 10am. Current Detroit and Grand Rapids Mug Club Members should check their email for member-exclusive bottle ticket pre-sale details. Pickup from both taproom locations begins on November 1 and goes through November 4. CBS will be available in all markets on draft and in bottles beginning November 2 and will have a suggested retail price of $24.99/750 mL bottle. Please note that price will vary by market.

About Founders Brewing Co.

Established in 1997 by two craft beer enthusiasts—Dave Engbers and Mike Stevens—with day jobs and a dream, Founders Brewing Co. brews complex, in-your-face ales, with huge aromatics and tons of flavor. Founders ranks among the top 10 largest craft breweries in the U.S. and is one of the fastest growing. The brewery has received numerous awards from the World Beer Cup and the Great American Beer Festival and RateBeer and BeerAdvocate users often rate its beers among the best in the world. Located in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, Founders is a proud member of the Michigan Brewers Guild.